Healthy Travel Tips for End-of-Year Holiday Vacations

Travel isn’t always glamorous — especially during the holidays, when the hustle and bustle of the season leaves you short on time and almost completely out of your element.

Whether you’re catching a plane, train, bus or car to spend time with loved ones this holiday season, we all want to stay on track with our health. After all, a brand New Year is rolling in and showing face — complete with 2019 resolutions and an extra burst of motivation!

Fit Holiday Travel Tips

Travel can offer a much-needed mental break, but it can also be stressful and disrupt your sleep schedule, fitness routine, eating habits, immune system and more. If you’re on-the-go for the holidays, use these simple tips to build an action plan that steers you in the right direction.

Get a Full Night’s Rest

Lack of sleep will leave you feeling sluggish on the road or at the airport, and it not only weakens your immune system, but impairs normal decision-making. Aim for at least 7-8 hours the night before you leave your house and try to follow suit for the duration of your stay.

Pack Nutritious Nibbles

Pack healthy snacks like fruits, veggies, low-fat cheese and unsalted nuts to munch on in the car or the plane. They’ll stave off hunger, stabilize your mood and keep you alert as you travel.

Make Movement a Priority

Idle time spent still may not only leave you restless, but derail your fitness goals. Wear comfortable shoes to stay moving! On the day of transit, walk around the airport terminal vs sitting at your gate. If you’re driving, take frequent stop to stretch your legs, use the restroom and walk around.

During your stay, plan family activities centered around movement. Try ice skating, playing in the snow or going for nature walks — especially if you need to walk the dog or run to the store to pick something up. Then at the end of the day, snuggle up in front of a fire!

Make Healthy Drink Decisions

Skip the soda and bottled juice and opt for water instead. Water will keep you hydrated, manage your appetite and give you more energy. Aside from water, cap a limit on your alcohol and caffeine intake so you’re not consuming excess calories from cream, sugar and mixers.

Eat a Healthy Breakfast

The holidays are packed with lots of good fun and cheer, which means you’re less likely to pay close attention to your meals, snacks and nutrition in general. Start the day off right with a lean breakfast rich in protein and fiber (eggs, oatmeal and Greek yogurt are good examples).

Remember to Rest and Relax

The holidays are also about mellowing out! Work some recovery time into your schedule. Maybe it’s spending time outdoors, reading a good book, lounging in front of a fire or taking a hot bath.

Stick to Your Routine

You’ll be doing a lot of shuffling as you break for the holidays, but try thinking of it as a treat — not a headache. To help with this, remember to consider your normal routine:

Stay on track with your medications, vitamins and supplements

Plan your meals and snacks in advance

Slow down and observe vs doing as much as possible

Squeeze-in fitness whenever you see a good opportunity

And remember — make it a priority to enjoy your holiday season, no matter how crazy!

This Campaign is proudly brought to you by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC). Your Weight Matters is a national initiative, which encourages each and every American to talk to their healthcare provider about their weight.